16 days in Western Europe Itinerary

A land packed with thousands of years of history, Scotland is home to numerous thriving cities and a vibrant population proud of its distinct culture, heritage, and art. The Scottish people are fond of saying "Good things come in small packages," and nowhere is that more true than in their compact homeland. Despite its relatively small size, the country is crammed full of attractions, not the least of which are numerous world-famous golf courses and whiskey distilleries. Though the sun may not always shine here, Scotland is a stunning country renowned for its dramatic scenery of mountains, valleys, hills, green fields, and rugged coastlines, guaranteeing a diverse holiday. While most tourists restrict their itinerary to the historic Highlands, where they search for the mysterious Loch Ness monster, you can also explore the Lowlands’ outstanding natural wonders and flourishing cultural scene.

Unlike the place travelers found several decades ago, the Northern Ireland of today is a rejuvenated and dynamic region attracting increasing amounts of tourism. Belfast, the region’s biggest urban center and capital, is a hip city with vibrant nightlife and a thriving gourmet culinary scene, providing an extensive list of indulgent things to do. The region’s renowned coastline, featuring the World Heritage-listed Giant’s Causeway, is an attractive holiday destination for hikers, cyclists, photographers, and other adventurers of all descriptions. Northern Ireland has seen more than its fair share of political and economic unrest, yet the people of this region have always remained proud of their cultural and artistic heritage, providing visitors with a warm hospitality hard to find almost anywhere else in the world.

Wales attracts tourism with its stunning landscape, a wealth of history, and a huge number of imposing castles. Yet behind the spectacular scenery and the ancient fortress walls hides the simple warmth of the Welsh people, whose pride in their Celtic heritage is only exceeded by the love they feel for their homeland. This may be a relatively small country, but its spirit is truly grand. Your itinerary may just be made up of joining the locals at the pub or a village rugby game to soak up the famous Welsh spirit and learn about "hiraeth," a deep bond the Welsh feel with their land. Though compact, Wales has no shortage of secluded corners easily and quickly explored on an extensive network of footpaths, which makes a trip to this land a true hiker’s paradise.